The Return of Hunger (Post-Op)

Hello Everyone,

     I'm about two months post-op, and I've noticed a return of hunger.  I'm acknowledging this, and I'm trying to avoid snacks in between meals because they are no part of my eating plan. Sometimes I wonder if my body has thirst and hunger confused.

     When did your hunger return post-op, and what methods did you use to avoid grazing?  Everyone is a little different.

Thanks!

Do you take a PPI?  If not, the generation of stomach acid is often mistaken for hunger.

Are you drinking enough fluids?  If not, it can mimic hunger.

Hi there,

    I have no reflux symptoms, so I was never advised to take one; I'll asked about it at my next visit.  As for the fluids, I try to push them all day long.  I'd say I get them in six days out of seven.

Thank you for the response.  ;)

I didn't have reflux symptoms either, but acid that felt like hunger. I was supposed to take chewable Pepcid for the first 6 months but didn't regularly until I figured out it was acid making me feel hungry. It helped a lot! I am almost 14 months post op and I still eat a Pepcid if I feel hungry. Give it a try. It was a miracle for me. I thought. My surgery wasn't successful until I did that.

Hi Wyo_Sarah,

    I picked up a PPI yesterday, and the hunger is gone!  Thank you so much for the great advice!

I'm so glad!

WOW!!  I was the same - no reflux so I wasn't using it but I will stop and get some on the way home today!  Thanks for GREAT advice!

I echo what other people have said -- consider first if this is excess acid (super common) rather than actual hunger (not common at all at 2 months out).  Having hunger pangs this soon after surgery is typically extra acid - which your stomach produces because it doesn't realize your stomach is 80% smaller so it's producing acid for a full size stomach.  THAT will cause issues but it may not present as reflux.  

I always tell people that if you think you're "hungry" pop a couple Tums and chew those up.  If the "hunger" decreases or goes away - you have acid issues and need to get a PPI.  

Good luck! 

Hi Wyo_Sarah,

    I picked up a PPI yesterday, and the hunger is gone!  Thank you so much for the great advice!

I don't remember exactly when the hunger returned.  It wasn't a sudden thing, and at first it was hard to tell if it was real hunger or head hunger.  But it certainly is back.  I have two strategies for dealing with hunger:  telling myself "Hunger is not an emergency." (quoting someone on this board - this is helpful to me.)  Jut try to accept the hunger and let it be.  The other is having healthy snacks.  Like cucumbers, or red peppers, or broccoli slaw made with a nonfat greek yogurt based dressing. 

I have a feeling this will be a life-long struggle with the drive to overeat.  I'd be glad to hear other people's strategies.

Carol